Rafael joins D.C. United as DP

Washington, D.C. (Sports Network) - D.C. United announced on Wednesday that
the club has signed Brazilian striker Rafael as a young Designated Player on a
season-long loan.

The 20-year-old joins United from Brazilian side Bahia, where he appeared in
36 games and scored 10 goals.

"We are very excited to have reached a deal to bring Rafael to D.C. United on
a one-year loan with a view to a permanent transfer," D.C. United general
manager Dave Kasper said. "He is a young, talented player with solid
experience with the Brazilian Serie A club Bahia. We believe Rafael has all
the qualities to be a successful striker in Major League Soccer, and we look
forward to having him join us in preseason 2013."

United finished second in the Eastern Conference last year with 53 goals in
the regular season and the club will hope that the addition of Rafael will
further add to their attacking options.

The forward represented Brazil at the 2011 Pan-American games and he becomes
the youngest current DP in MLS.